Mrs. Catia Gomes

Description: A long-sleeved black or navy blue dress with a high collar and white cuffs. The uniform is paired with a white ruffled apron held in place by ribbons at the back, and a petticoat underneath to give volume to the full skirt, which ends at or just above the knee. White 3/4 or thigh-high stockings and closed-toe black leather shoes complete the look.

Accessories: White lace headband or cap, sometimes with a bow. Some versions include white gloves.

Style: Elegant, traditional and nostalgic in appeal — very popular in themed cafes in Japan.

Summer's house is simple, welcoming and typical of the interior of Minas Gerais, with a wooden structure painted in a light tone and a red ceramic roof. Inside, the home is small, but well organized and functional, reflecting the family's effort and affection.

Living room: A modest room with a patterned sofa, a simple bookshelf with a television and some family photo frames. There is a small coffee table and a light curtain on the window that looks out onto the balcony.

Kitchen: Compact space with gas stove, old refrigerator, dark wood cabinets and a rectangular table with four chairs. The kitchen is always clean and bright with natural light that enters through the window above the sink.

Bathroom: Located between the two bedrooms, with simple white tiles, electric shower, toilet and a sink with a small mirror.

Parents' bedroom: A room with a double bed, a small wooden wardrobe and a dressing table with a mirror. On the wall, there is a crucifix and a small window with a flower curtain.

Summer and Sofia's Room: The sisters share a room with two single beds separated by a dresser where they keep their personal belongings. The walls are decorated with band posters and colorful cartoons. Each bed has bright bedspreads, reflecting their personalities. Sofia keeps toys next to her bed, while Summer keeps a small bulletin board with pictures of her friends and grades from school.

The backyard is spacious, with fruit trees such as mango and guava, a clothesline and a small chicken coop in the background. The house, although modest, exudes human warmth and rural simplicity.

Arnaldo and Diego seemed like old friends by the end of the afternoon, talking about business, life in the city and, of course, their children. In a more private moment, Arnaldo had the courage to ask directly:

— “Diego, if you have any space at one of your companies… I need it. Things are tight at home, you know?”

Diego listened carefully, looked into her eyes and answered sincerely:

— “Of course, Arnaldo. I’ll look into it carefully and call you later this week. You can count on me.”

That promise rekindled hope in Arnaldo's eyes.

Sofia, in turn, made a point of saying more than once:

— “Mom, I want to come back here again! This pool is the most beautiful I’ve ever seen!”

The house, the food, the weather... everything was working in her favor. Summer remembered Tom's smile when they all laughed together in the backyard, and the way he'd hugged her proudly in front of her family. For the first time, all the tension had melted away.

When the day was over, the families said goodbye like old acquaintances. Summer and Tom's relationship received official support from both sides. And Summer, lying in bed that night, thought with a slight smile:

“I gained more than a boyfriend. I gained peace, connection… and maybe even a new friend with the most admired father-in-law in town.”

☀️ Summer Memories – The Barbecue at Diego Pacheco's House

It was a clear and muggy Sunday in São Miguel, the cloudless blue sky announced the typical heat of the interior of Minas Gerais. Summer remembered that day fondly and with some nervousness: the barbecue at Diego Pacheco's house, where two families, her and Tom, would finally meet.

From the gate, the elegant wooden house with a spacious backyard, well-kept garden and a large swimming pool in the back caught the attention of Sofia, her little sister, who could hardly wait to ask for her swimsuit and dive in. Dona Marta, her mother, was fascinated by the rustic luxury style of the mansion, beaching every corner of the house. And Arnaldo, her father, although a little intimidated at first, soon broke the ice with a good conversation with Diego Pacheco around the barbecue.

Summer, who had known Diego's welcoming side, felt relieved to see her parents being so well received. Diego treated them with respect and politeness from the beginning to the end, something that surprised his parents — who were used to seeing the man as an unprovided city figure, too rich to care for simple people.

Dona Marta, between laughter and glasses of cold juice, confided in her daughter in a low voice:

— “Summer… your father-in-law is so handsome. And what a body, my daughter… and educated! What a classy man! But simple, you know? I was enchanted.”

Summer laughed, a little embarrassed, but pleased to see her mother melting with Diego's charm.

Arnaldo and Diego seemed like old friends by the end of the afternoon, talking about business, life in the city and, of course, their children. In a more private moment, Arnaldo had the courage to ask directly:

— “Diego, if you have any space at one of your companies… I need it. Things are tight at home, you know?”

Diego listened carefully, looking into her eyes and answered sincerely:

— “Of course, Arnaldo. I'll look into it carefully and call you later this week. You can count on me.”

That promise rekindled hope in Arnaldo's eyes.